Blumenfield Breaks Ground at New River Park in The Valley

The Trust for Public Land will develop critically needed open space in Reseda as part of Blumenfield’s efforts to Green the Valley.

RESEDA – Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield today broke ground on a new river park that will bring critically needed open space to Reseda along the banks of the Los Angeles River.

“This park will be a home base for us here in the West Valley, a destination for those down river, and an integral part of the transformation of the LA River ,” said Blumenfield. “Piece by piece, the people of Los Angeles are reclaiming the LA River as their own, and I’m so proud to have worked alongside the Trust for Public Land, Mayor Eric Garcetti and many others, to move this project forward.”

More than six years in the making, the Los Angeles River and Aliso Creek Confluence Project will create a two-acre park, one mile of walking paths, and three-quarter miles of bicycle path and greenway, 14 decorative entrance gates and a 100-foot long mural in the densely populated, urban community of Reseda. The project will transform a vacant lot alongside the river into a natural space that will provide habitat for wildlife and recreational green space for local residents. In total, the Aliso Creek Confluence project will bring nearly seven acres of new open space the LA River and Aliso Creek.

Once built, the Aliso Creek Confluence Project will connect to and enhance a planned 50-mile network of bicycle and walking paths along the LA River and provide the opportunity to expand the network along the river’s 51 miles.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a tremendous step forward in my Reseda Rising initiative as well as in my ongoing efforts to green the Valley,” continued Blumenfield. “We’re expanding recreation opportunities in a dense urban area while taking a big step forward towards greening the Valley and realizing our shared vision for a vibrant riverfront throughout Los Angeles, starting at the headwaters in Canoga Park. It’s a win for the City, a win for the river and a win for the Valley and Reseda.”

Last year, Blumenfield launched Reseda Rising, a comprehensive economic development initiative for Reseda focused on leveraging previously untapped resources to boost investment in the area.

“This project will be a wonderful asset to the community with its open space, bike path and walkways,” said California State Senator Fran Pavley, a longtime supporter of efforts to revitalize the LA River. “I am thrilled to see the many years of diligent planning come to fruition.”

In addition to Blumenfield, Mayor Garcetti, and the Trust for Public Land, key project partners included the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.

“The Trust for Public Land could not be more excited about starting construction on the Los Angeles River & Aliso Creek Confluence Park," said Robin Mark of the Trust for Public Land. "This new park in Reseda is part of over 80 acres of open space we have created along the L.A. River in the last 20 years. We are thrilled to be part of this momentous occasion and stand proudly among a group of dedicated City, County, and community partners.”

"We are excited to be breaking ground on new green space on the banks of the LA River, a place where people can explore and enjoy nature along a vibrant green corridor," said Michael A. Shull, General Manager of Recreation and Parks.

Environmental benefits of the project include decreasing air pollution, diminishing the consumption of natural resources and energy, helping plant, animal, and people adapt to climate change, increasing the reliability of local water supplies, and capturing, cleaning, and infiltrating stormwater before it enters the LA River and ultimately, the Pacific Ocean.